The CPL Associate plays a key role in advising and representing clients in dispute resolution and litigation, with specialist exposure to contract law, complex commercial and litigation matters, insolvency and business rescue, company law (including shareholder and director disputes), property law (including lease disputes), and administrative law. The position is responsible for delivering commercially focused legal solutions, managing legal and regulatory risk, and supporting clients in achieving their strategic and business objectives.
Role Responsibilities:
Client Centricity
- Places client needs and business objectives at the centre of decision-making
- Builds trusted advisor relationships with clients
- Demonstrates responsiveness, professionalism and commercial pragmatism
- Anticipates client needs and proactively provides solutions
Ownership and Accountability
- Takes responsibility for delivering high-quality work
- Demonstrates sound judgment and attention to detail
- Follows through on commitments and deadlines
- Accepts accountability for outcomes and continuously seeks improvement
Collaboration and Relationship Building
- Works effectively across teams, practice groups and jurisdictions
- Shares knowledge and expertise willingly
- Builds strong internal and external stakeholder relationships
- Contributes to a positive and inclusive team culture
Growth Mindset
- Continuously develops technical, legal and commercial expertise
- Seeks feedback and applies learning effectively
- Drives change and innovation
- Demonstrates resilience in managing complexity and pressure
Leadership Potential
- Positively influences colleagues and clients
- Strong model for professional and ethical conduct
- Coaches and supports junior team members
- Demonstrates initiative in solving problems and driving improvements
Commercial Awareness
- Understands client industries, market trends and business challenges
- Identifies opportunities to expand client relationships
- Contributes to revenue growth and profitability objectives
- Balances technical excellence with commercial practicality
Role Competencies:
Contract Law Expertise
Demonstrates sound knowledge and practical application of contract law principles in drafting, interpreting, reviewing, negotiating, and advising on commercial agreements, including compliance and contractual dispute matters.
Insolvency & Business Rescue Acumen
Applies knowledge of insolvency legislation, restructuring mechanisms, and business rescue processes to provide effective legal and commercial solutions.
Administrative Law & Regulatory Interpretation
Demonstrates the ability to interpret legislation, administrative actions, and regulatory frameworks while providing sound legal advice.
Regulatory Compliance Advisory
Provides proactive legal guidance that enables clients to understand, manage, and comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
Dispute Resolution & Litigation Management
Effectively manages disputes and litigation processes while seeking commercially advantageous outcomes for clients.
Legal Analysis & Problem Solving
Evaluates complex legal and commercial issues, identifies risks, and develops practical solutions.
Commercial & Strategic Thinking
Understands the broader business environment and provides commercially relevant legal advice.
Client Relationship Management
Builds trusted client relationships through responsiveness, professionalism, and high-quality service delivery.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Works effectively with specialists across legal and professional disciplines to deliver integrated client solutions.
Stakeholder Influence & Communication
Communicates complex legal concepts in a clear, persuasive, and audience-appropriate manner.
Professional Judgement & Ethical Conduct
Exercises sound judgement while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and professional responsibility.
Ownership & Results Orientation
Takes responsibility for delivering high-quality outcomes and maintaining exceptional standards of client service.
Company Law & Shareholder/Director Disputes
Knowledge of company law principles and experience managing shareholder and director dispute.
Property Law Acumen
Ability to advise on property-related legal issues, including lease disputes
Qualifications & Experience:
- LLB
- Registered Lawyer with the South African Legal Practice Council (LPC)
- 3+ years PQE experience as a practicing attorney, preferably in commercial and dispute resolution at a leading law firm
